A young fan’s dream has finally come true. Lionel Messi has gifted a signed jersey to Murtaza Ahmed, who became an international celebrity after his photo wearing a plastic bag jersey of the idol went viral.

Ahmed was given two autographed jerseys and a signed football from the football star by UNICEF workers. Elated after receiving the jersey Murtaza said, “I love Messi, and my shirt says Messi loves me.”

Earlier, reports had suggested that the football star had agreed to meet the five-year-old fan at Camp Nou. However, the meeting didn’t materialize because of logistic difficulties. Messi, who is a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, was expected at the event but could not make it due to his prior engagements.

Ahmed’s father had earlier explained how he consoled his son for not being able to afford the jersey, “He kept crying for days, asking for the shirt, until his brother Hamayon helped him make one from the plastic bag to make him happy. He stopped crying after wearing that plastic bag shirt.”

"I feel very happy that he is famous now," Arif said later. "He is really excited that his pictures are everywhere now. He wants to become a football player in the future, and go to school." UNICEF provides support to 43 million children trapped in emergencies worldwide and has recently renewed its partnership with football club Barcelona to provide support and same right to every child to thrive, play and practice sports.